Athol Fugard, the humanitarian playwright, has once again penned a poignant story that hits home at the personal and political strife of his homeland, and is elevated by Monsey's sweet, uncomplicated production. Charting the last years of Veronica Jonkers, who returns to her village from Cape Town with her infant son and a debilitating illness, Coming Home evokes a simple history of lives spent toiling the land and sets them beside youthful ambition, and the stark reality of life in the city.
Reunited with her childhood friend Alfred, Veronica sets about impressing the memory of her late step-father, Oupa, on her son. Her admiration for his straightforward ways, his wise words and unconditional love for her is punctuated with spontaneous concerts and Alfred's animated antics. The happiness in this play lies in the stories and memories while the reality of Veronica's current situation remains a persistent a dark cloud over her future.
The heartache in Cat Simmons portrayal of the firm, zestful Veronica who becomes weak and exhausted with untreated AIDS, turns the excited reunion to a heavy, stoic agony. She is matched by David Judge's warm depiction of enthusiastic Alfred who provides a flawless contrast. Still a child at heart, humble Alfred has given up on a wife and only dreams of a riding a red bicycle with a bell. The role of Oupa, who continues to play a significant part in the lives of those he's left behind, is masterfully played by Nadim Sawalha. Many actors would try but few would succeed in giving the love and attention that Sawalha does to the kindly but tough character of Oupa. He reminisces with Veronica and learns surprising new lessons from his grandson, over the course of a performance that has the woman next to me in tears,
This hopeful story from one of the most talented playwrights of our time is superbly acted and one of the best productions you'll see in East London this June.
Coming Home at Arcola Theatre runs until 9th July.
Photo Credit: Damian Robertson
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